Today Google released huge plans for expanding their super fast Fiber service across the United States. Google may be the world’s largest search engine, but now its eyes are on competing against big Internet providers Comcast, Verizon, and AT&T. Since the words ‘Google Fiber’ have been announced, it’s been a jaw-dropping envy that certain areas could experience such ultra-high-speed internet services. Instead of a mere effort to coax others towards faster internet, this is no longer an ‘experiment’. Lucky areas such as Kansas City, MO, and soon Austin, Texas, are already getting download speeds nearly 100 times faster than the norm. Why not spread across 34 other cities while you're at it? Well, it will. It’s noted that the service will first launch in several major metropolitan areas, including Atlanta, San Antonio, Phoenix, San Jose, Portland, and Salt Lake City.

Google Fiber GM Kevin Lo states, that although some cities may not participate or qualify, he “absolutely wants to add all 34 if possible”. He added that “the future of the internet will be built on gigabit speeds”, and such speeds are crucial for companies such as Google to deliver better services to the home and online. The most obvious perk would be adding Google into the mix of giant phone and cable companies; a sector that’s far from its main source of income, online advertising. However this competition would bring forth a part of Google it hasn’t shown before, “bringing the web forward”. Reports are saying this expansion comes at a welcoming time. Comcast and Time Warner Cable are preparing to merge. The two companies make up the largest cable internet providers in the country, and with them becoming “one”, Google can add itself into the mix for some much needed competition.

Google is prepared to work with city leaders to determine their viability of Google Fiber. The company says they aim to provide updates regarding operable cities by the end of 2014. With both the Comcast/TWC merge, and net neutrality concerns in the spotlight, Google’s announcement surely came at an interesting time. And with data-transfer speeds of 1 gigabit per second only costing $70 per month, this could mean some serious price reduction for contenders. Sources say Google is even working on technology adequate enough to reach speeds 10 gigabits per second, 100 times faster than carriers provide today.